As the app world continues to grow, rather than just listing the apps and giving a line or two, I thought a more detailed explanation is warranted. The criteria for choosing weekly apps will include the following: data collection, IEP goal-oriented and aligned to the Common Core Standards.
See.touch.learn Free. Remember flashcards? You can now throw them away and never worry about losing ripping a card again. Examples of extended flashcards are all of the Dolch spelling words, US money, and pictures of the first 100 words. The pictures are real -life photos, making it easier for students to relate. This app is perfect for Speech Therapists using the ABA method and it's user-friendly, ideal for new users to the iPad. Within the settings, teachers can choose the following lesson play controls: text prompt, audio prompt button, automatically play audio prompts, and show lesson navigation controls. Sound can also be customized from correct answer, incorrect answer and lesson finished sound. Upon completion of each lesson the teacher is given the student's score. This app is appropriate for students with autism, developmental disabilities, and early learners and meets the following IEP goals:
- When requested, the student will identify a certain number pictures of familiar objects.
- The student will select a preferred item from a pictorial representation.
A new version See.Touch.Learn Pro 2012 is now available for $24.99 which includes every flashcard set rather than 10 sets on the free program.
Write My Name $1.99 by Injini. Finally, a handwriting app that helps students write their names! In addition to their name, the student can add other family or friends names, if this is a personal app. If this is a classroom app, each student can have a name tag, an IEP and life skills goal. The app also includes the ability to write upper and lower case letters and includes a cute jingle as the student is writing the letter. Once the letter is completed, the letter is pronounces and a picture using the initial sound is presented. Finally, word cards are also incorporated into the app. Within the word cards are over 100 words for students to trace. As a teacher we know that using all three learning modalities we increase the students’ ability to learn. This app states the word, the student traces the word and then the word is shown with an interactive picture. This app is perfect for “typical” learners age 4-7 and is especially good for students with dysgraphia and developmental disabilities. The following IEP goals are addressed:
- The student will correctly print: number of the 26 printed lower case letters of the alphabet.
- The student will correctly print: number of the 26 printed upper case letters of the alphabet
- The student will be able to write first name.
Teach Me 2nd grade $.99 Released recently by 24x7 digital, Teach Me 2nd grade matches skills for second graders that align with the Common Core Standards. Built in the app are the following: spelling, Dolch sight words, fast addition, fast subtraction, long addition and long subtraction. Students earn coins as reinforcement and are delighted by the little mouse that facilitates the app functions. Fast addition and subtraction increase math fluency. Teachers or parents can turn on or off specific questions, giving the child time to focus on one subject area. This app is great for grades 1-3, depending on the student's academic level. Special education teachers can use this as a remedial app for students with learning disabilities or developmental disabilities. The app allows you to track the performance of four students at once.Common Core Standards addressed include:
- Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words, fluently add and subtract within 20 using mental strategies.
- By end of Grade 2, know from memory all sums of two one-digit numbers.
Vicki Windman is a special education teacher at Clarkstown High School South.
